Sarah widens the net at girls' grammar and is loving it

Head teacher Sarah Forster has revealed how she has opened the doors wider at Torquay Girls' Grammar School to make sure any girl has a chance of joining.

Sarah, who took over at the helm of the school in September 2021, has changed TGGS's admission test.

She says: "Every girl should be able to apply for a place at Torquay Girls’ Grammar School and therefore it was important to me that the test is based on material that is accessible to every child.

"Therefore, the tests now only include content that is on the National Curriculum for English and maths. Every child will have learned the content in primary school. There is no need for tuition."

She adds: "I also banned mobile phones very early on. It did not make me popular with students at the time, but I received a number of letters from parents thanking me for the decision. I have spent time listening to student council, student voice and staff feedback. This has driven many of the changes – I am proud that the new school library is a result of the student council’s vision."

Founded in 1915, TGGS  is a school with a long history. Today, the school has a strong commitment to its vision: ‘to equip students for a future in which they have academic qualifications, character skills and high self-esteem, enabling them to make decisions that lead to long, happy and content lives.’

Sarah says: "The vision I have implemented here is very clear – Torquay Girls’ Grammar School is here to develop our students as a whole person. We want them to have the academic qualifications, self-esteem and character skills to equip them for a future in which they can make decisions to support their happiness. Academic results are important but alongside that is our extensive programme of super curricular and extracurricular activities to develop their character and self-esteem."

As she says, results are important. The school has been ranked in the top ten for academic results in the South West and 90th nationally. A-level results were the best set of A and A* exam results ever for the school, with over half of the sixth form achieving two or more A/A*. A record breaking 16 per cent of pupils achieved three or more A* grades and a staggering 40 per cent of students were awarded three or more A and A* grades.

Over half of the students also went on to study STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) at university last year. The most popular alongside medicine were geology and engineering.

She is loving her new job, saying: "It is a privilege every day to be a head teacher and I have really enjoyed it. What is really special about the school is the strong sense of belonging it creates – it becomes part of you.

The house culture and traditions really contribute to creating this feeling of identity. Every student that joins the school becomes a member of a house. Whether it is Wilkinson, Beal or Jackson, every student must know that their house is the best one. The joint activities they do together, whether it’s petitioning parliament for change or organising events for charity week, that sense of family provides the support and friendliness that is at the heart of the school.

"I have been so surprised and delighted at how many students come back as adults either to share their experiences with future generations or apply to work at the school. For example, Alice and Sophie who have a degree apprenticeship with Siemens and Womble Bond Dickson have come back to share their experience alongside Brittany, who came back on a break from studying engineering at Oxford, to spend time in school inspiring future generations."

Sarah is also just loving the school canteen and says: "The salad bar in the main canteen in great for those healthy days. However, the feel of our sixth form café is very different – much more like an adult coffee shop. A mocha and a bun from there is a nice treat.

"One of my favourite times of the day is lunchtime. I walk the school and see students inter-reacting with other and having fun. We have an extensive number of clubs at the school that cater for all interests – it is really nice to see students (and staff) doing what they love."

And she and her family are just loving life in South Devon after re-locating almost two years ago.

"I’m converted – I absolutely love this area," says Sarah.

"Everyone has been very welcoming and so friendly. The biggest difference from London is the relationships that exist in the local community – from putting your neighbours’ bins out to them sharing a list of the best places to walk the dog. As a family, we have settled in really well and made some wonderful friends. "

She has urged parents: "We have open days throughout the year – pop along to one of those. You will hear from me, meet the admissions officer and get a chance to tour the school with some of our younger students as your guide. You can ask as many questions as you like – we’d love to see you!"

And what about relaxing? Sarah says: "You can find me and my cocker spaniel on the beach at Torre Abbey."